NYE

3rd annual NYE hibachi dinner. 

We think we might mix it up next year and go to Applebee's!

After dinner we all divided and conquered.  Emmy went to a friend's house for the night, we dropped Bryce off with friends and then we headed to hang out with some of our friends. 

Kasey is my party twin.  We matched at Christmas too!

Happy New Year!  Best wishes for a great 2025!

all things christmas

We kicked off the Christmas celebrations at Nana's house on Christmas Eve.  We headed over early afternoon for a fun game, lunch, presents and dessert. 

  

We were all spoiled and had a great time with family. 

After Nana's, I did a quick outfit change into a new dress, and we were off to Christmas Eve service at our church.  After church we dropped Bryce off to exchange gifts with Avery and we went to the Kirby's for their annual Christmas Eve gathering.  It was fun doing something a little different this year. Then we headed home and stayed up way too late getting ready for Christmas morning.

Emmy wanted a vanity this year.  She got it and all the accessories and products to fill it up.  Bryce got a new grill and radio for his jeep and plenty of other goodies. 

After a quick present exchange, we got ready and went to Kelly's for breakfast, presents and the second annual saran wrap ball.  We headed home for just a bit to move Emmy's vanity to her room so she could start setting it up and then we headed to Nana's for stockings, and I made us a fun Christmas tree charcuterie for lunch.    

After Nana's we went home for just a minute and then headed back out to Jason's grandma's house.  We visited for a bit and then came home to relax and enjoy the rest of Christmas at home.  

We ended up doing our annual Beljacklock Christmas party after Christmas this year.  We dressed in glitz and glam and had a great time.

Saturday night we did Christmas with another one of our favorite friend groups.  

We have the best time when we're together even if it's only a few times a year.  

Bryce went to the Commanders game with Avery's family on Sunday night and we took Emmy out for some fun with a few families from her school including the Caddells.  It's been a fun week of celebrating with friends and family.  

I'm hoping to have a low-key day today!

a little christmas and a lot of emmy

Emmy got out early every day last week.  She had lots of fun things planned at school and with her friends.  

Her friend group from school had their second annual secret Santa reveal party.  

The 7th grade got to go on a field trip.  They went ice skating, to a park and to Chick Fil A for lunch. 

You can't beat the private school life.  They foster so many opportunities for fun and friendship.

Emmy's friend group from the gym also did their second annual secret Santa reveal this week and then they headed to the winter wonderland themed gym Christmas party.  

Bryce had a full week of school with not many fun things thrown in.  Once school got out for break, he's been doing an all-day lifeguard certification to get ready for summer work, so he's been busy.  He has had some time for friends and a movie, just no pictures!

a fun christmasy week

We went to see Santa on Tuesday night. 

All the kids are busy these days, but we still managed to find a small window for our annual Santa picture.

Emmy had spirit week at school this week.

Bryce had his end of season volleyball banquet on Friday.  Only three JV players received awards, and Bryce got the "most improved" award.  He also go a varsity letter and volleyball pin for his postseason play!

Jason and I went to a Christmas party hosted by an old co-worker on Friday night.  

We love hanging out with this group. 

We were only missing one couple this year. 

This sweatshirt has provided many twinning moments!

The signature drink was these Christmas margaritas with glitter.  So fun!

I made a veggie wreath.  I still love a good, themed food. 

I can't believe Christmas is almost here. 

a meet and a parade

We headed to Virginia Beach after school on Friday for the annual Gymstrada gymnastics meet. 

Emmy and her teammates are a close group. 

Emmy had a great meet and brought home some hardware.  She placed 3rd on bars and beam, 4th on floor and 2nd all around.  She got level 7 season highs on bars, beam, floor and all around. 

Her team came in 1st place. 

Doing what she loves and loving what she does!

Today was the annual Mechanicsville Christmas Parade.  When it comes down your street you invite everyone you know and embrace the crazy and enjoy the people watching!

My friend Kathryn and I knew we had matching sweatshirts but had no idea the girls did too!

Our neighbors are a festive bunch. 

Santa wraps up the parade on the fire truck.  He'll be back again soon!  Another favorite tradition is when Santa rides the fire truck around the neighborhoods in the evening. 

The parade seemed late to me this year.  I usually say it's a fun way to kick off the season, but I honestly feel like it's almost over.

Thanksgiving

We traveled to Raleigh on Thursday for our annual Thanksgiving lunch at the country club with my dad's family. 

We don't get there often enough, and my dad and stepmom no longer drive so the visits are few and far between. 

It's always great to visit and catch up. 

It was a rainy drive down and then the sun came out and the temperature was very nice.

My dad and stepmom and settled in nicely in their retirement home and stay busy there. 

We celebrated Thanksgiving with Nana on Friday.  You know we always have a theme.  This year was "Most likely to....". 

I think we all nailed our parts well!  We enjoyed a yummy meal and then decorated Nana's tree per tradition.  

The holiday season is upon us, and I hope we can enjoy it without rushing around and stressing!